About
BSM is a health-focused creative company.
We bring clinical experience and creative expertise to every project.
Alex Thomas MD is a board-certified pediatric allergist / immunologist and a cartoonist and illustrator.
Gary Ashwal MA is a health communication writer, designer, and producer with expertise in video, print, and digital formats.
Health Literacy
Our goal is to make medical information easy to understand so people can make decisions and take action.
We use plain language and clear visuals to communicate information for a specific health context.
Visual Storytelling
Our approach is grounded in the language of comics: abstraction, juxtaposition, metaphor, and sequence.
We design characters to be memorable and meaningful. In all of our projects, we try to entertain and educate at the same time.
Clinical Experience
Alex’s medical training and clinical practice ground our visual work in the reality of healthcare delivery.
Results
Since 2008, our work has demonstrated effectiveness and value for our clients. We have sold thousands of comic books, reached nearly one million YouTube views, and earned recognition in national health information contests.
Learn more about the research related to our projects.
Professional Engagement
Alex and Gary are active participants in their professional community. Alex is a board member of the Graphic Medicine International Collective. Gary is past president of the Health Care Education Association.
We have presented our work at Comic-Con International: San Diego, the American Public Health Association conference, the International Symposium on Pediatric Pain, and more.
